System Analysis Engineer (SAE)

Location: Hengelo, Netherlands

About us
The people we all rely on to make the world go round – they rely on Thales. In a world that is increasingly fast-moving, unpredictable and full of opportunities, they come to us with big ambitions: to make life better and to keep you safer. Combining a unique diversity of expertise, talents and cultures, our employees design and deliver extraordinary high-tech solutions. With 68.000 talents working in 54 countries, 2000 employees are based in the Netherlands. We are one of the biggest high-tech employers in the field of safety and security.

We help our customers think smarter and act faster in the fields of transportation, defence , space, aerospace and cyberspace, mastering ever-greater complexity and every decisive moment along the way. We are therefore leading the digital transformation, focusing on artificial intelligence, big-data & data analytics, connectivity, mobility and internet of things and cybersecurity.

In the Netherlands, we are located in four cities: Huizen, Delft, Eindhoven and Hengelo (HQ). Together with an extensive ecosystem of knowledge partners, customers and suppliers, we work on radars for naval vessels, cyber security solutions, transportation systems, communication equipment for land forces, cryogenic cooling solutions, research & development for radar tech (in collaboration with TU Delft) and research & development for serious gaming (in collaboration with the University of Twente).

About the team

We are a dynamic group supporting Thales through:

• Conducting cutting-edge scientific and technical studies that impact real-world defense operations.
• Collaborating closely with sales teams by analyzing operational scenarios and tailoring insights for our customers.
• Innovating and evolving concepts for both new and existing products.
• Developing and refining algorithms integral to product functionality.
• Defining clear and actionable requirements for new product development.
• Validating performance metrics through rigorous sea trials.

To strengthen our Operational Analysis team, we are looking for a:

System Analysis Engineer (SAE)

About the role

As a System Analysis Engineer within the Operational Analysis team, you will focus on simulating and evaluating the operational performance of defense products and integrated combat mission systems. You will join a multidisciplinary team where your technical expertise will be complemented by real-world application. Your contributions will span the full spectrum of operational analysis, supporting our organization through simulation-driven insights into the performance of advanced defense systems.

You will play a key role in developing a custom simulation framework and creating models representing elements such as radars, optronic sensors, command and control systems, defense platforms, and potential threats. Over time, you'll cultivate your own specialized expertise within the team.

This role offers a balance between engaging technical work and ongoing collaboration across teams and departments. We highly value enthusiasm, proactive problem-solving, and a passion for understanding naval warfare operations in their complexity. You will receive strong support to deepen your domain knowledge and grow your skills, enabling you to translate complex operational scenarios into actionable analytical outputs.

About you

• You hold a relevant technical degree (electronics engineering, physics, mathematics, aerospace engineering, or similar).
• You bring practical experience or diverse perspectives alongside your technical skills — whether through previous projects, interdisciplinary work, or cross-functional collaboration.
• You communicate clearly and thrive in diverse, multidisciplinary teams.
• You demonstrate a solution-oriented mindset paired with strong analytical thinking.
• You can navigate complex system engineering designs, abstract concepts, and translate them into effective models and analyses.
• You possess programming skills in one or more software environments.
• You excel at converting customer and operational requirements into clear technical specifications.
• You have strong interpersonal skills and the ability to explain technical details in an accessible way while managing expectations.
• You are open to occasional international travel.
• Dutch nationality is required due to security and defense project regulations;
• Security screening (AIVD-B) is mandatory.
• Fluent in Dutch and English

Preferred additional experience

• Familiarity with electromagnetic wave propagation, control engineering, or simulation standards such as HLA/DIS.
• Experience with programming languages such as Matlab/Simulink, Java, C(++), Python, Fortran.
• Comfort working in Linux environments.
• Experience with distributed simulations.

What's in it for you ?

• A challenging job in a great team within our high-tech, innovative work environment. Includes the freedom for initiative and good ideas.

• Room for personal and professional growth within our organization, for example in regards to technical, commercial or international skills.

• Valuable international collaboration with coworkers from 68 different countries around the globe.

• A comfortable work space in a modern environment, with a focus on flexibility and the right work life balance.

• You can usually work where and whenever you want. Within Thales, we aim for a 60/40 balance, where you work from home at least two days a week, when your role allows this.

• A good salary, fitting travel allowance, and the ability to personalize your employment conditions: for instance, you can trade PTO for internet costs, our bicycle plan, company fitness and relocation costs.

• 40 days off per year (PTO).

Interested?

Apply now! Click on the button below to upload your profile and show your interest.

To ensure that we are a good match, we may ask you to participate in an assessment.

A government clearance will be requested as part of standard Thales procedures.

Diversity Statement

We actively support a working pattern that suits your lifestyle and helps you reach your ambitions. That means that equal opportunities, inclusion and an informal culture are integral to our success. It also means that your well-being and happiness matter to us! That’s why we offer you the flexibility to do what’s important to you; whether that’s part time hours, job sharing, remote working, or the ability to flex your start and finish times.

Security Requirements

In line with Thales' Baseline Security requirements, candidates will be asked to provide evidence of identity, eligibility to work in The Netherlands and employment and/or education history. This vacancy requires a security clearance which can require further evidence to be provided. For further details of the evidence required to apply for security clearance please refer to the General Intelligence and Security Service.

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